CPL's Teacher in the Library program is here to help your student have a great semester! Teacher in the Library offers free tutoring from certified teachers both in-person and online at various CPL locations. Learn more: chi.gov/TeacherInTheLibrary

Teens and young adults ages 13 to 20, don’t miss a night full of spooktacular surprises at Teen Lit Night: Unbound as we celebrate YA literature, art and culture. Plus, enjoy some music and treats. RSVP here: chi.gov/TeenLitNight2026

Calling kids ages 3 to 11 and their families! The next STEAM-Powered Saturday is October 3 and will feature STEAM activities from CPL and our partners, including @artinstitutechi.bsky.social, @chiarchitecture.bsky.social, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and more! chi.gov/spsoct3

Don't miss a special author talk with Michael Staudenmaier about his new book, "White, Black, Brown: Becoming Puerto Rican in Chicago." Staudenmaier will be in discussion with Joanna Hernandez of @wttw.bsky.social News on September 29 at Harold Washington Library Center. chi.gov/whiteblackbrown

Celebrate Latine Heritage Month at CPL! Throughout the month, CPL will host events including movie screenings, book clubs, performances and more. In the meantime, enjoy these photographs from CPL's archives of the Viva! Festival in the 90s. Start here: chi.gov/LHM2026

Read this year's One Book, One Chicago selection "Orbital" in peace with other book lovers at this year's Silent Reading Soiree. The event will take place at Harold Washington Library Center's scenic Winter Garden. Learn more: chi.gov/silentreadingsoiree

As “One Book, One Chicago” turns 25, the Chicago Public Library program sets its sights on outer space. This year also includes a children’s book selection for the first time.

“Orbital” is the 2026 One Book, One Chicago selection

wbez.org

And the 2026 One Book, One Chicago selection is... "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey. The novel walks us through a day in the lives of astronauts embarking on one of the last space station missions of its kind. We invite you to explore this year's programming. Chi.gov/oboc

Brick by brick, the workers in this photo built CPL’s first central library (now the Chicago Cultural Center). Today we celebrate workers all over Chicago and thank them for their contribution in making Chicago what it is today. Happy Labor Day!

Join CPL and @everylibrary.bsky.social in welcoming @mccallsmith.bsky.social talk about his work and latest book, "The Big Cats Dance Party: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." McCall Smith will be in conversation with John Chrastka, founder of EveryLibrary. Learn more: chi.gov/EveryLibraryAuthorEvent

September's Book of the Month is "Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth" by @dazeher.bsky.social. “Citizenship” is a personal and critical examination of what it means it means to be American, reflecting on this country's laws, customs and history. Place a hold: chi.gov/SeptemberBOTM

Explore endless learning with the card that adds value to your life at no cost: your CPL library card! If you don’t have one, @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's Library Card Sign-up Month is the time to get it. Visit your neighborhood CPL location to get your library card today!

On October 3, the CHI+AI Summit will take over Harold Washington Library Center’s Lower Level. The day will include thought-provoking panels, actionable demonstrations and an info fair. Register: chi.gov/CHI-AI

We're here to help strengthen your child's reading skills and support their lifelong learning journey. Explore our Jump Into Reading resources and discover in-person and online resources that can help your child practice and improve their reading skills. chi.gov/jumpintoreading

Thank you to everyone who showed up and contributed to a great Queer Radical Fair! This year, we welcomed hundreds who participated in a dance party featuring local musicians and DJs, a fashion show with collections from local teen designers and more. ‘Til next time!

Chicago, you made this Summer at CPL one for the books. From board books to chapter books, novels to nonfiction, thank you for reading with us. We hope you enjoyed participating in our reading challenges and attending our special events. 'Til next time!

It’s your last chance to see "Praise & Protest" at the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection Gallery at Woodson Regional Library. The exhibit explores CPL's archival records from the Chicago Black Renaissance. "Praise and Protest" runs until August 27. chi.gov/praiseandprotest

Want to be part of history? CPL is still accepting letters to America in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Letters can contain reflections, critiques, hopes and stories and will be added to CPL's permanent archival collection. Learn more: chi.gov/letterstoamerica

August’s Book of the Month is “The Nickel Boys” by @colsonwhitehead.com. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the harrowing experiences of two Black teens at an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. Place a hold: chi.gov/NickelBoys

Yesterday, we teamed up with White Sox and Xfinity to celebrate The 81 Club at CPL’s Chinatown Branch. From story times with Sam Antonacci and Drew Romo to fun with Southpaw and Harold the Owl, we read, learned and discovered. Join The 81 Club team: chi.gov/81club

Join CPL for a panel featuring authors of new memoirs including Melissa Fraterrigo, Timothy J. Hillegonds and Alex Poppe. The event will be moderated by Miles Harvey. Tuesday, August 11 6 p.m to 7 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center Learn more: chi.gov/MemoirPanel

From Gwendolyn Brooks to Eve Ewing, Chicago has always been a creative hub for writers who have redefined literature. Chapter Eight of Summer at CPL highlights the limitless stories that Chicago has to offer. Learn how to get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

CPL's ScienceConnections is a way for kids to explore the world of STEAM in a fun and accessible way. From garden clubs to building water rockets, ScienceConnections supports science learning for kids and equips them with important skill sets. chi.gov/ScienceConnections

Let’s go, Chicago! Whether you root for the Cubs, the Sox, the Bulls or the Bears, CPL is here to celebrate all of Chicago’s sports. Explore programs highlighting your favorite Chicago teams through Chapter Seven of Summer at CPL. Get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

More than 8,800 acres of green space make Chicago the perfect place to enjoy summer. Chapter Six of Summer at CPL celebrates the city’s nature, from community gardens to the Chicago Park District’s 600+ spaces. chi.gov/summeratcpl

Two patrons at CPL’s Manning Branch completed the adult reading challenge and got a free Summer at CPL hat! How close are you to finishing your log? Get in on the fun here: chi.gov/summeradults

From Chicago-style hot dogs and tavern-style pizza to street vendors and award-winning restaurants, Chapter Five of Summer at CPL highlights the city's vibrant food scene. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

🎆Happy 250th Birthday, America! Join CPL for a lineup of events and initiatives that amplify Chicago’s diverse stories and voices, helping all residents explore and reflect on what it means to be American. Get started: chi.gov/america250

Teens: join us for our 2026 Queer Radical Fair, a summer celebration of queerness, fashion, self-expression and community! The fair will feature a fashion show highlighting teen designs, a dance party, a photo booth and so much more! Register now chi.gov/QueerRadicalFair2026

🎧CPL’s July Book of the Month is “Chicago House Music: Culture and Community” by Marguerite L. Harrold! Learn about the icons who shaped the genre and how they transformed social and political turmoil into a worldwide phenomenon. Place a hold: chi.gov/HouseMusic